The Brave OT Podcast

When I learned ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), it changed my OT practice and it changed how I navigate my own life. This is why I have created so many things that include ACT concepts - the ACTivate Vitality coaching program for OT business owners who want to thrive without the hustle, the ACTivate Vitality Personal Development Planner, and the Practical ACT for OTs course... that last one has a Black Friday promo coming out later this week. This podcast is taken from a presentation I did recently in a Facebook group for mental health OTs called MHOT ~ A Collective. It's a helpful introduction to using ACT as a modality in your OT practice to facilitate occupational engagement, particularly when clients are stuck in patterns of avoidance of difficult thoughts, feelings, or sensations. ✴️✴️Head to the Practical ACT for OTs course website to sign up to be notified when the Black Friday early bird registration and promo opens up or when the course officially starts toward the end of January, 2025.✴️✴️   Here are some resources mentioned in this episode: Balance Works OT - Carlyn's OT practice  Balance Works - Carlyn's personal and professional develoment services   ACTivate Vitality Program and Mastermind for OTs who want to THRIVE without the HUSTLE ACTivate Vitality Personal Development Planner  Practical ACT for OTs Clinical Education Vitality Guide - free download with ACT starter resources ACT Made Simple Facebook Group Choice Point - Russ Harris MHOT ~ A Collective Facebook Group   Article Cited: Dindo L, Van Liew JR, Arch JJ. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Transdiagnostic Behavioral Intervention for Mental Health and Medical Conditions. Neurotherapeutics. 2017 Jul;14(3):546-553. doi: 10.1007/s13311-017-0521-3. PMID: 28271287; PMCID: PMC5509623.     Shoutout to our sponsor, Jane, the all-in-one practice management software we love. To see how Jane can help you reclaim your evenings and weekends, head over and meet Jane to book a personalized demo and, if you’re ready to get started, you can use the code VITALITY at the time of sign-up for a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.

This discussion with our guest, BRAVE OT, Erin Clarelli, brings together heart and mind as we dive into conversations that challenge norms, embrace unique perspectives, and foster the growth and vitality we strive for every day in our professional and personal lives. I am beyond excited to welcome Erin Clarelli to the pod! Erin is a force in the world of OT, deeply committed to mental health, self-compassion, and creating supportive spaces for neurodivergent individuals. She is highly involved in the non-, minimally, and unreliably speaking autistic community in her own private practice, SUNRISE Therapies. She is a passionate advocate and ally and a supportive agent of change for occupational therapists in this specific area of the autistic community.  Erin is here to share her wisdom, insights, and stories that will inspire you to rethink your approach, nourish your passion, and perhaps even spark a little bit of rebellion against the status quo. Be sure to check out Erin's online courses and mentorship programs at OT Level Up  and download the free OT Impact Blueprint. Follow Erin on social: Instagram -  Sunrise Therapies  Facebook - Erin Clarelli ________________________________   The ACTivate Vitality Personal Development Planner is available on Amazon. Learn more and find links to purchase on Carlyn's Website. ________________________________ To see how the Jane.app can help you reclaim your evenings and weekends, head over and meet Jane to book a personalized demo. As a listener of The BRAVE OT Podcast, you are invited to use the code VITALITY at the time of sign-up for a 1-month grace period on your new account.

Today we're diving into all things mindfulness in occupational therapy. Our guest today is a fellow Canadian OT who works in mental health, Sarah Good.    In this episode, we explore how mindfulness can be used as a powerful intervention to enhance occupational engagement and not just as an end in itself. Sarah shares her unique approach of seeing clients in their homes or outdoor settings, integrating nature into therapy to help clients reintegrate socially post-pandemic.  We also discuss how our clients find us and are funded for occupational therapy with a mental health focus and the flexibility of online versus in-person sessions. Alongside practical insights, Sarah and I delve into the profound impacts of using mindfulness within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), offering real-life strategies for therapists and clients alike.   ______________________________ Sarah's Mindful OT Mastery Program is opening for registration Nov. 18-21, 2024. Be sure to click the link to be notfied when it's time to register. Her array of resources for clinicians can also be found on her website. ______________________________ The Ask for OT campaign is running nationally and in many provinces. Here are a few links that can help you improve access to Occupational Therapy through benefits plans. Alberta - SAOT Ask For OT Nationally - CAOT Ask For OT ______________________________   I love hearing how you relate to these episodes. Reach out on social to share your insights or tag me in a share.  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn ______________________________   If you're a busy OT business owner who would like to THRIVE without the HUSTLE, the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based ACTivate Vitality program might be just what you need. Click the link to learn more. 

I’m excited to share something really special—a compilation of clips from ACTivate Vitality members who’ve been navigating their own journeys toward values-driven, sustainable work. You’ll hear honest reflections about what it’s like to move from overfunctioning and burnout to building lives and businesses that feel aligned and fulfilling. These are the voices of occupational therapists who’ve joined our community, some initially skeptical about a group coaching format, yet they found that the magic lies in the support, accountability, and growth they share with each other. So if you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of overwork or wondered how to build a business that supports your life, not drains it—this episode is for you. Now, if you’re feeling inspired this glimpse into the ACTivate Vitality community and ready to create a sustainable, values-aligned business where you don’t have to go it alone, I’d love to invite you to join us in ACTivate Vitality. This isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ coaching program. We dive into what’s driving your habits, the fears or patterns that may be holding you back, and how to build a life and business that supports you fully. And one of the most powerful parts is the community itself—being surrounded by other OTs on the same journey toward living and working differently. Together, we create the space to grow, connect, and hold each other accountable.   Is it time for a change in the way you are showing up as a therapy business owner? If you're listening at the end of October, 2024, enrollment for ACTivate Vitality is open just until the end of this month so hop on a Clarity Call with me today and we can explore how ACTivate Vitality could support your journey. If you're interested at a later date, email me at [email protected] to find out when it will be available again.   Here's a playlist of episodes with some of the brave ACTivate Vitality participants here: Ep. 24: From Overwhelmed to Thriving, JD the OT’s Business Evolution Ep. 33: Scarcity Mindset to Sustainable Growth - Jessica Earle’s ACTivate Vitality Story Ep. 17: Redefining OT - Jessica Miller's Path from Exhaustion to Empowered Mentor Ep. 18: Nourishing Your Nervous System - With Guest, Jessica Miller, Part 2 Ep. 20: Post-traumatic Growth with Guest, Emma Shears Ep. 4: Balance is Elusive with Guest Ashley Reina Ep 6: Jam With 2 Mental Health OTs on 2 Continents And stay tuned for an episode coming soon with Erin Clarelli!